Stone Ward is a company of partners who share a passion for creativity and service, and a commitment to “building good.”
EMPLOYEES: 56
INDUSTRY: Advertising/Marketing
To this end, all Stone Ward team members operate under a set of 20 principles developed when Larry Stone and Millie Ward founded the agency more than 30 years ago. Each is intended to help employees do their best work, grow personally and professionally and to help good companies succeed.
This philosophy focuses on servant leadership, builds lasting trust with clients and believes in the potential of every team member, client and idea.
PERKS
Stone Ward keeps a free, fully-stocked kitchen and pantry that includes everything from fresh fruit and sandwich fixings to microwave pizzas and hamburgers.
The agency is employee-owned through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with annual contributions made based on profits. The ESOP, together with a traditional 401(k) plan, makes up one of the most generous retirement plans in the industry.
Paid parking, a pet-friendly environment and generous time off are popular with employees.
Professional growth is encouraged with a number of training resources that includes lynda.com as well as conferences, in-house updates, the annual agency retreat and other opportunities throughout the year.
A “Big Idea Committee” organizes fun events, while the agency celebrates anniversaries, birthdays and milestones. Rainy days frequently turn into pizza days and every fourth Friday is a half day.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stone Ward has made working at the office voluntary and modified office policies to make the environment more safe, including separating work spaces, upgrading HVAC systems and adopting “touchless” bathrooms.
DID YOU KNOW?
Stone Ward is 100% owned by its employees through the company’s ESOP. The company makes an annual contribution to participant accounts within the company’s ESOP plan in lieu of a 401(k) match. The contribution goes to all participants on a pro rata basis based upon salaries.
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